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Job overview
The post holder will be expected to have proven and substantial experience in conducting qualitative research; for example, by having previously assisted in the running of a funded research study and/or a postgraduate (Masters or PhD) study.
As this is a multi-site study, with NHS Trusts involved across England, the role will involve some national travel to complete staff interviews and observations of wards outside of the North West area. To facilitate travel to sites, a full UK driving licence and use of a vehicle would be needed for the role.
This post is funded full time for 12 months from mid-September 2026, with the possibility of extension. We will consider requests for flexible working arrangements, including job shares.
The post-holder will receive line management support from the Chief Investigator/Project Manager, in the Complex Trauma & Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH). This includes regular line management supervision, clear objective setting for 3, 6 and 12 months and annual appraisals thereafter (depending on continued funding for the post).
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will work alongside colleagues at the University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust on a research project to explore the effects of workplace trauma on staff working on acute mental health wards.
The post holder will work with other researchers to carry out observations of acute mental health wards as well as interviews with staff members on acute mental health wards across the UK about their experiences of workplace trauma support interventions.
The post holder will also be involved in qualitative data analysis and report writing. They may be required to assist with other activities, such as engagement and consultation with stakeholders and dissemination of research findings.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
- Pay Enhancements
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Excellent pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Wellbeing programme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
- fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge/experience of analysis and interpretation of qualitative data and of statistical/analytical research outcomes.
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of identity-targeted trauma, such as racial trauma, homophobia, transphobia.
- Knowledge of Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of conducting and analysing qualitative research (e.g. semi-structured interviews; ethnographic observations).
- Experience of using thematic analysis, framework analysis or other relevant methodology.
Desirable
- Experience of complex psychological interventions.
- Experience of working on acute mental health inpatient wards.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to take responsibility for planning and implementation of specific elements of research studies.
Desirable
- Demonstrable capability of working with large volumes of complex, sensitive and highly confidential information.
- Experience extracting and coding data from clinical case notes.
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Good Honours Degree in Psychology or a related field (2:1 or above)
- Master’s Degree or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- PhD in Psychology or a relevant and related field.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Research Associate (StaffTIME2/WPT) with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (Flexible working and job shares considered.). The application deadline is 19 Jul 2026.
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